LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12397, 18 December 1909, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A meeting of the committee of the Wanganui Agricultural Association will be held at 8 p.m. on Monday, 20th inst.

An exhibition of paintings by Miss Marsh’s pupils will be open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. to-day in the Dominion Buildings in the Avenue, just above Guyton Street.

A special meeting of the parishioners of Christ Church will be held in the schoolroom to-morrow (Sunday) evening, at 8.30 o’clock. The meeting is to be held to discuss a resolution to be submitted to the General Synod with reference to the church section.

Readers of the very interesting articles signed by “A Banker,” which have appeared in our columns from time to time, will much regret to hear that the writer. Mr C. T. Lacy, passed away on October 28th, at Basingbourne, Hants, England.

The Rev Bates wires that the present indications are for moderate to strong westerly winds northward of Kawhia and East Cape, and a moderate southerly gale is probable shortly. In other parts, showery and changeable weather will probably prevail with a rising barometer.

We have to acknowledge receipt of the December number of the “Wanganui Collegian.” This school magazine is quite up to its usual standard. In addition to the usual school news, the Old Boys, Scouts, and Navy League columns are conspicuous features. It is announced that the school intends purchasing a racing boat, etc., and that nearly £30 has already been donated for this purpose. The “Collegian” contains excellent reproductions of photographs of the Cadet Corps, football teams, etc.

We are informed that Mr J. R. Thompson, organiser of the Theosophical Society in New Zealand, is to visit Wanganui early in January, and, under the auspices of the local branch, will give a public lecture, due notice of which will be advertised. To all lovers of liberal thought in religion — a recognition of that “oneness” in all of them — the lecturer has an encouraging word. On the subject of occult phenomena, of which we have heard so much lately, Mr Thompson will have something to say as to its relation to the subconscious mind. We expect to hear a most entertaining lecture.

A meeting of the Committee of St. John’s Bowling Club was held in the Club’s pavilion last evening. Present: Messrs D. Miller (president), Christie, Gellatly, Moffatt, Ball, Reid, and Simpson (Hon. Secretary). The following new members were elected: Messrs A. Humphries, A. Doig, E. T. Thomas. C. Tattle, E. T. Talboys, E. Crowe, and H. H. Thomas. It was reported that the following matches had been arranged for the holidays: Boxing Day, on local green, four rinks against Feilding; New Year’s Day, return match at Feilding; Anniversary Day, Waverley, at Waverley, number of rinks to be played. Members are reminded that all games in the handicap singles, the Jones’s trophy and the pairs must be played to-day.

When the Industrial Schools’ Bill was under consideration in Committee of the Council, the Hon Jenkinson drew attention, to the practice, as reported in Thursday morning’s “Press,” which had grown up of dropping young children on the banks of the Wanganui River so that they could be adopted by Maoris, and he urged that something should be done to stop the practice. It had grown to such an extent that they had heard that in one case four children between the ages of 4 and 9, who could not speak or read English, were living under such conditions that consumption seemed almost a certainty. The Attorney-General said he was glad the matter had been mentioned. He had been very shocked to read the reports alluded to and was calling for police reports on the whole position. The law, as it stood, was sufficient to meet the case if established, but the law they were then passing would help them in dealing with the position. Replying to suggestions, the Minister said his first duty was the safety of the children. Having achieved that, he would, as Minister of Justice, if permitted, deal with the parents too.

The police yesterday raided the premises of Mrs McAuliffe, in Spey Street. Invercargill, and seized a quantity of liquor, some of which was concealed in a peculiar manner. Mr F. Newham has at present on view at his studio a fine enlarged photo of three fox-terrier puppies. The picture has been attracting a considerable amount of attention, and reflects, much credit on the photographer. Among those to be admitted to the Wellington Teachers’ Training College next year are the following from the Wanganui district :— William H. Burgess, Nellie M. Burbush, Frederick J. Gaze, Laurel L. Gascoigne, Richard A. Howie, Mabel A. Mahony, Daniel McCormick. Ernest S. McBean.

At the annual meeting of the Gear Meat Preserving Company last night a dividend of 5 per cent, for the halfyear was declared, making altogether, with the bonus, 12½ per cent. for the year. Messrs J. R. Blair and James Gear were re-elected directors. In the House of Representatives on Thursday Mr Arnold, M.P. for Dunedin North, said he was not concerned about the Commissioner of Police, it was settled that he would resign. In reply to this Mr Dinne last evening made the following statement to a “New Zealand Times” representative: “Mr Arnold’s statement that I intend to resign my position is as devoid of truth as his previous allegation that my son had full pay for six months whilst on leave of absence. The effect and object of such a statement can readily be understood. I have no intention whatsoever of tendering my resignation.” Mr Massey, leader of the Opposition, was presented with a cheque for £100 last night at the supper adjournment, says a Press wire. This was the result of the recent testimonial, which had been closed when it reached £1,000, but subscriptions having continued, to come in, Mr Lang, M.P., who originated themovement, asked Mr Allan, M.P., to make the presentation, which he did in a few appropriate words. The health of Mr Massey was drunk with musical honours. Mr Massey returned

thanks for the cheque, which he considered an expression of good will not only to himself, but to the loyal band of supporters in the House.